Matthew 7:13-14 13Enter through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road that leads to destruction, and many are the ones who enter through it. 14Narrow is the gate and tight is the road that leads to life, and few are the ones who find it.
Jesus provides his disciples a clear choice in these verses. All people must choose between two paths. In most religions, these paths are described as good and evil. Jesus makes the choice more specific in his sermon. People can choose God’s kingdom or the ways of the world. God’s kingdom may not always be recognized, but through prevenient grace, God exposes all people to light. This light exposes right and wrong to people, minimally through their consciences and the good of a society, and most explicitly in the good news of Jesus Christ and the revelation of the Bible.
The “easy” way is described in three ways in verse 13. First, it has a broad and wide gate, implying that it is easy for people to find and go into. It is easy because people do not need to leave anything behind, like their sin and pride. Second, it is spacious and like a big highway, with room for many people. These two words are almost synonymous and emphasize the idea that this is how most people live. They follow this way because it is easy and seems natural. But this description is actually a mislabel because of the deceit of the world. The flesh looks enticing and promises happiness, but the promised pleasures last only a short time and often bring pain and sorrow. This way is also easy because we can make our own rules. We live in a relativistic time when tolerance is the primary principle. People can do whatever they want with no consequences involved. Third, many people find it. The way of the world is the most popular because it is easier and costs nothing. There are even many people who say they are Christians but walk the broad way and do not act like Jesus’ disciples. Popularity does not make something right. The kingdom of God is not a matter of public opinion or the latest polls. Sadly, the outcome of following this way is destruction and ruin. Jesus does not give a time frame for this destruction, but it begins in this lifetime and will be completed at judgment.
Jesus then describes the alternative way of the kingdom as more difficult. There are three descriptions that are opposite of the first way. First, this way has a narrow gate. God’s revelation through Scripture makes this way narrow. We do not determine this gate, but it is defined by only one person. Jesus is the only gate for the sheep (John 10:7) and the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Second, the road is tight, which is a close synonym to the first description. This word implies that the path is carefully defined, and not everyone chooses to walk the narrow way. Great danger awaits us if do not stay on course. There are always temptations to leave the path. How can we know what is right and wrong? By knowing the truth. The more we know the truth, the more we can see the dangers of deceit around us. The closer we walk behind our Master, the better we can see the way we should go. If we begin to drift back, his footsteps are not so clear anymore. Third, few people find this way. People do not go on the narrow path to eternal life by accident. It is not the obvious way to go. It must be found by seeking first God’s kingdom.
We must choose the way of Jesus and accept the challenge of following him as disciples. The kingdom is not a democracy but a monarchy. The kingdom of God is not determined by a majority vote but by Jesus the Messiah. Many people think that “all roads lead to heaven,” and it matters little which one a person takes. Getting into heaven is not however a person thinks but how God determines. The ultimate outcome of this way is eternal life and heaven.
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